Noctua

Characterised by bright yellow hindwings with a black subterminal fascia. This pattern is also seen in Anarta myrtilli (Beautiful Yellow Underwing) and A.cordigera (Small Dark Yellow Underwing) both of which are smaller (fw 10-12mm) than any Noctua species and have a different forewing pattern. Thalpophila matura (Straw Underwing) has a much paler yellowish hindwing with a brown borders.There are diagnostic differences in the hindwing pattern between the Noctua species; but all the commoner species can be readily separated without recourse to hindwing examination. Separating N.orbona/comes and N.janthina/janthe requires a more detailed examination (see the relevant pages).

342 Noctua pronuba(Large Yellow Underwing)

343 Noctua fimbriata(Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing)

344 Noctua orbona (Lunar Yellow Underwing)

fw: 17-20mm; late Jun-Sep; various grasses and herbaceous plants; NS-B in dry heath and open woodland, formerly widespread throughout GB but now local and declining.